I’ve always found it interesting that many influential leaders have at one point in their life experienced great personal challenges, even tragedies. They not only survive them, but shape them into a meaningful form of inspiration and motivation. That’s what the 22 women featured in the newly released book, Resilient Women Overcoming Mediocrity have done. I found this collection of their stories and words of wisdom not only encouraging, but also eye-opening.

Here are a few quotes from the authors to inspire you as you climb the mountains and cross the oceans to reach your dreams.

“Don’t let the world tell you who you are, only you get to decide.” – Jennifer Truesdale

“Next time life’s GPS sends you astray, take a deep breath, hold on tight and get ready for the ride.” – Michelle Sutter

“Believe in yourself, trust your gut, surround yourself with resilient people who inspire you to be better and work hard.” – Monique Hicks

“Resilience is merely putting one foot in front of the other to keep moving–in spite of your fears.” – Jennifer Pestikas

“Every choice makes a difference as we get ourselves unstuck and move toward the life we desire. Select your choices wisely.” – Angie Engstrom

“Being healthy is more than just a number on the scale or the number from a test. These numbers are simply a moment in time.” – Sharan Tash

“Love Well. It makes all things possible.” – Marci D. Toler

“Your mess is your message! Your resilience comes from not giving up on yourself; figuring it out is the most beautiful adventure that you’ll ever have.” – Misty Totzke

“Do one thing each day that scares you.” – Melissa Laverty

“Resilience is the willingness to not quit, to challenge your habits, and to stay determined to make a difference– first for yourself and then for the rest of the world.” – Jackie Simmons

“God not only uses our trails to better equip us to help others, he also brings us the right people at the right time with the right resources so that our impact in the world will be greater.” – La Tanya Hinton

“Second chances are a gift. From them, we can help others grow and learn from our mistakes.” – Danielle Di Cosola

“Everyone deserves a great life. Amazing things can happen when you step outside of your comfort zone.” – Kathy Rosner

“Never take a “no” from someone who was never empowered to give you a “yes” in the first place.” – Sherry Rauch/Dehbozorgi

“When someone does not like you it does not define you, it only defines them.” – Jeanmarie Dwyer-Wrigley

The opinions expressed here by Inc.com columnists are their own, not those of Inc.com.

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